Liquid level responsive means



July 1s, 1944. G, F, BROQKETT 2,353,641

LIQUID LEVEL RESPONSIVE MEANS Filed Feb. 9, 1942 2 Sheets-S1188?. l

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l 6/ f i? 36 45 /h/v I @L l July 18, 1944. G. F. BROCKETT 2,353,641

LIQUID LEVEL RESPONSIVE MEANS Filed Feb. 9, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 -izf' l @infill-M171 @MW v Patented July 18, 1944 '2,353,641 LIQUID LEvEL RESPONSIVE MEANS Glenn F. Brockett, Marshalltown, Iowa, assignor to Fisher Governor Company, Marshalltown, Iowa, a corporation ot lowa Application February 9, 1942, Serial iNo. 430,161

3 Claims.

This invention relates to float controls, etc. and relates more particularly to a liquid level responsive means and speclflc gravity responsive means for operating control valves, indicating devices, and the like. A general object of this invention is to provide a 'liquid level responsive or specific gravity responsive means which is highly efficient and which is simple, practical and durable.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid level responsive means or specific gravity responsive means characterized by! a motion transmitting means for transmitting motion from within the float chamber structure to the exterior of said structure for the operation of an indicator, valve, or the like, which means eliminates all possibility of leakage and eliminates the necessity for packing glands, bearings, etc. which would create vfrictional resistance to the movement. The `device of the present invention embodies what may be termed a torque tube means for the transmission of movement through the wall of the float cage from the float actuated part to the valve part or indicator at the exterior of the housing. This torque tube means includes a flexible resilient tube secured to the wall of the housing or float cage to communicate with an opening therein and having its inner end operatively connected with the float lever to be turned thereby and a shaft secured to the inner end of the torque tube and passing freely through said tube and opening to the exterior of the cage for the operation of the valve, indicator, or other operated device.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character referred to embodying a novel and highly effective substantially frictionless bearing means for supporting the inner end of the torque tube. The torque tube above referred to must, for the most effective operation, be yielding to the extent that minor movements of the iioat are reflected in movement of the shaft extending to the exterior of the cage. The yielding tube is inadequate or incapable of supporting the float rod and other parts and of resisting vertical distortion resulting from float movement and it is necessary to provide bearing means forthe free end of the torque tube. The present invention embodies a simple practical and highly eilective knife edge bearing which dependably supports the free end of the torque tube with a minimum of friction.

Another object of this invention is'to provide a device of-the character mentioned in which the entire internal mechanism, with the exceptlon of the float, may be removed and made accessible by simply disconnecting a simple.

flanged connection between sections of the housing.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the housing and general construction is compact, simple and inexpensive.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: I

Fig. 1 is a vertical detailed sectional vlewof the device. view taken substantially as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1 with the body of the float cage in elevation. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view illustrating the outer portion of the cage arm, illustrating the means for anchoring the torque tube and the outboard bearing means for the shaft. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective View of the clamp part of the bearing means and Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating an alternative construction.

The liquid level responsive or specific gravity responsive device of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a float housing or cage III adapted to have communication with a liquid container, a float 'II in the cage, a lever I2 suspending the float II and operated by the float, a torque tube I3 having one end xed to a wall of the housing or cage I0 and having its other end operatively connected with the float lever I2, bearing means I4 for supporting the other end of the torque tube I3 and a rod or shaft I5 connected with the inner end of the torque tube I3 and extending therethrough to the exterior of the housing 0r cage I0 for connection with a control valve, pilot valve, indicating means, or other actuated device.

The housing or cage I0 may be varied in design and construction to adapt the device for given installations or given types of installations. In the drawings I have shown a preferred construction, it being understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the particular form of cage illustrated. The housing or cage I0 shown in the drawings com-f prises a body I6 having a top section l1. The cage body I6 is a vertically elongated hollow member provided at its upper end with a horizontal out-turned flange I8. The top section Fig. 2 is' a vertical detailed sectional.

I1 is a hollow member having a flange I9 on its lower end complementary to the flange I9 of the body I6. Bolts or studs 26 are passed through openings in the flanges I6 and I9 and nuts 2| on the studs cooperate with the flanges I8 and I9 to connect the body I6 and top section I1. The body I6 and section I1 have telescoping parts 22 and a gasket 23 is engaged between the parts 22 to provide a fluid seal. Threaded openings 24 and 25 are provided in the lower end of the body I6 and the upper end of the section I1 to facilitate the connection of the body I6 in a line Having communication with a tank or other container. not shown. Pipes leading from the openings 24 and 25 may be connected with a tank or other container to have communication with the interior thereof at vertically spaced points beyond the intended range of the oat II. The top section I1 has a lateral or horizontal branch 26, the section I1 being in the nature of an L. The branch 26 is tubular and is provided at its outer end with a vertically disposed external ilange 21.

The housing or cage I6 further includes a lateral or horizontal arm 29 for carrying the torque tube I3. The arm 29 is an elongate tubular or hollow` member secured to the outer end of the branch 26. The arm 29 extends at-right angles to the branch 26 and is provided at its inner end with a vertical ange 36 for opposing the flange 21. Studs 3| are passed through openings in the flanges 21 and 99 and nuts 32 are threaded on the studs to connect the flanges. The branch 26 and arm 29 have telescoping parts 39 and a gasket 34 is provided at these parts to make a fluid tight seal between the arm and branch. The longitudinal opening 36 of the hollow arm 29 preferably has its longitudinal axis normal to the axis of the longitudinal opening 36 in the branch 26. A socket or opening 37| extends through the flange 36 at right angles to the opening 35 to communicate with and form a continuation of the opening 36 in the branch 26. A cylindrical counter bore 36 is provided in the bottom or outer wall of the opening 31 and is preferably in. concentric relation to the longitudinal axis of the opening 36.

The outer end of the arm 29 is formed to mount a pilot mechanism. indicator, or the like, and to flxedly anchor and support the torque tube I3. In the construction of Figs. 2 and 3 the outer portion of the arm 29 is turned down to constitute a boss 96. This boss 96 enters a socket 9| on the supporting plate or housing plate 92 of the pilot mechanism 93. An annular groove 94 is provided in the exterior of the boss 96 and a set screw 95 is threaded through an opening in a hub or boss 96 on the plate 92 and engages in the groove 94. This construction permits relative rotary adjustment between the pilot mechanism plate 92 and the arm 29 and the screw 95 may be tightened to secure the pilot mechanism 93 in position. A socket 91 is provided in the outer end of the boss 96 and an outwardly facing shoulder 96 occurs at the bottom of the socket.

An anchor block or insert 99 is arranged in the socket to carry the torque tube I3. A gasket |66 is engaged between the shoulder 98 and the inner end of the insert 99 to provide a fluid tight seal. In accordance with the invention the block or insert 99 is xed or locked against movement. A slot |6| is formed in the periphery of the insert 99 and a fixed drive pin |62 is carried in an opening in the boss 96 and cooperates with the slot IIII to positively secure the insert 99 against turning. A plug |03 is threaded in the socket 91 and has a ridge |64 on its inner end for bearing against the insert 99. The plug |63 is threaded in the socket 91 to tightly clamp the insert 99 against the gasket |66 and to secure the insert against axial movement. The insert 99 secured in the outer end of the arm 29, as just described, serves as a ilxed anchor for the torque tube I2 as will later appear.

In the alternative structure of Fig. 5 a cylindrical fitting or insert 42 is provided to anchor the end of the torque tube. The anchor block 42 may be secured in the outer end of the arm 29 in much the same manner as the above described insert 99 and has a ilange 44 adjacent its inner end to facilitate its attachment to the arm. In this construction the insert or lblock may be of substantial length to continue outwardly beyond the end of the arm 29. The insert 42 assists in carrying the torque tube I3 and the shaft I5, as will be later described.

The oat I I may be of any selected or required type and construction. In the case illustrated, the oat II is an elongate cylindrical member received. in the body I6 and section I1 with substantial clearance. A boss 29 is formed on the upper end oi the oat II to facilitate its connection with the lever I2, as will be later described. The hollow float II is weighted to always partially sink in the liquid and is arranged and designed to have the required range of movement in the housing or cage I6.

The oat lever I2 extends through the opening 36 of the branch 23 and is connected with the upper end of the float II to suspend the iloat and to be operated or swung by the iloat. The lever I2 is a rigid or unyielding elongate member formed at its ends for connection with the oat II and the bearing means III. In the case illustrated the lever I2 is polygonal in transverse cross section and has a reduced threaded portion 49 on its inner end and an eye 39 on its outer end. The eye 49 may be threaded in an opening in the end of the lever I2 and may be secured in place by a lock nut 56. A similar eye 5I may be threaded in the boss 28 of the float II and may be locked in position by a nut 52. The eyes 69 and 5I engage one with the other to form a dependable pivotal connection between the iloat II and the lever I2. The branch 26 is proportioned so that its opening 39 allows ample swinging movement of the lever I2. Stops 53 may be formed on the upper and lower walls of the opening 99 to limit the swinging motion of the lever I2.

The torque tube I3 extends longitudinally through the opening 35 of the arm 29. In accordance with the invention the tube I3 is flexible and resilient to yield when subjected to turning forces or torque and to return to its original conu dition when such turning forces are removed. In practice, the tube I3 is a thin walled member formed of flexible resilient material. The outer end of the tube I3 is anchored or xed. The block or insert 99 has a longitudinal opening |65 and the inner portion of this opening is counter bored to receive the end portion of the tube I3, as best illustrated in Fig. 3. The tube I3 may be permanently fixed to the insert 99 as by welding |66. The welding |66, in addition to securing the tube I3 to the insert 42, may operate to provide a I Iuid seal between the exterior of the'tube and Sie insert 99. The tube I3 secured to the insert 99, as just described, in effect constitutes an integral continuation of the insert, having its interior in communication with the opening |05. The tube I8 is of substantial length and its inner end occurs adjacent the point of joinder ofthe openings I and 31.

The bearing means I4 is a feature of the invention. The bearing means I4 serves to support the inner end of the flexible torque tube I3 for turning or exure about its longitudinal axis and further serves to connect the float lever I2 with the tube I3 whereby operation or swinging of the lever I2 turns or exes the tube I3. The bearing means I4 may be said to include a part or member 56 on the inner end of the torque tube I3, a part 51 on the inner end of the float lever I2 cooperating with the member 56 to connect the lever and tube I3 and a bearing 58 mounted in the housing or cage I0 and cooperating with the member 56 to support the inner end of the torque tube I3 f or free turning or flexure on its longitudinal axis.

The member 56 is an elongate fiat sided member which may be rectangular or substantially square in transverse cross section as illustrated. A reduced cylindrical stem 59 is provided on the end of the member 56 to t within the end of the torque tube I3. Welding 60 may x the member 56 to the end of the tube I3. The welding may serve to provide a fluid tight seal between the member 56 and the end of the tube I3 so that the tube is completely closed oi from the interior of the float cage I0. The under side of the member 56 is provided with a longitudinally extending groove 6|. The groove 6| is V-shaped in transverse cross section and the extreme upper wail of the groove, that is the apex of the V,

`is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the tube I3. The member 56 secured on the end of the torque tube I3 projects into the opening 31 of the arm.29. v

',Thepart 51 on the float lever I2 is a hook or clamp element engaging with the member 56 to operatively connect the lever I2 and tube I3. As best illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings the part 51 has a boss 62 on its outer side provided with a threaded opening 63 and has spaced fingers 64 on its inner side. The opening 63 passes transversely through the part 51 and the reduced portion 48 of the oat lever I2 is threaded into the I opening 63. A lock nut 65 on the threaded lever portion 48 sets or locks, the part 51 with respect to the lever I2. 'Ihe ngers 64 are in the nature of clamps or hooks being shaped to engage over and conform to the above described bearing member 56. The part 51 has a flat inner face for conforming to one side of the polygonal member 56. The lower sides of the fingers 64 are fiat to nt against the top face of the member 56 and tongues or downwardly projecting lugs 66 are provided on the ends of the fingers to engage with the outer side of the member 56.

Means is provided whereby connection of the float lever I2 with the part 51 serves to rigidly clamp the part 51 on the member 56. This means includes a tapered socket 61 in the side of the member 56 and a pilot or reduced stem 68 on the inner end of the lever I2. The end of the stem 68 is tapered to conform to the socket 61. The central axis of the socket 61 is coincident with the apex of the V groove 6| and the longitudinal axis of the torque tube I3. When the threaded portion 48 of the lever I2 is threaded through the opening 63, the tapered end of the stem 68 engages in the socket 61.' This results in the lmember 56 being tightly clamped in the clamp 75 part 51. The lock nut 65 serves to set or lock the vparts in this clamped engagement.

Ihe bearing means I4 further includes a bracket, or support 69 mounted in the cage I0. The support 68 has a cylindrical base seated in the counter bore I6 and is xed to the arm 2l by screws 10. The bracket 63 has a lower boss or projection 1I extending under the member 56. An opening 12 extends vertically through the projection 1| and has a threaded counter bored lower part. The opening 12 serves to carry or receive the bearing 5B. The bearing 58 is a cylindrical pin-like part engaged in the opening 12 and extending upwardly beyond the projection 1|. 'Ihe projecting upper portion of the bearing 56 is designed to cooperate with the V groove 6| of the member 56 to support the inner end of the torque tube I3. The upper end portion of the bearing 56 is wedge shaped or V shaped in cross section to present a knife edge 13. The knife edge 13 engages in or cooperates with the apex of the V groove 6I. 'I'he angle of the surfaces forming the knife edge 13 is considerably less than the angle between the walls of the groove 6I so that the member 56 and tube I3 may have substantial turning movement. The knife edge 13 engaged in the V groove 6| pivotally or turnably supports the inner end of the torque tube I3 with a minimum of friction. Means is. provided for removably retaining the knife edge bearing 58. This means includes threads 14 in the counter bored lower portion of the opening 12 and on the lower portion of the bearing 58. The bearing bracket 69 may have an upper projection 16 extending inwardly' to be received between the fingers 64 with substantial clearance. The projection 16 extends over the member 56 and may operate as a stop to prevent disengagement of the member from the knife edge bear ing 58.

The shaft I5 is provided to connect the inner end of the torque tube I3 with the pilot valve, control valve, indicatcrh. or other operated device at the exterior oi the cage I0. The shaft I5 extends longitudinally through the tube I3 and the opening |05 with substantial clearance. The inner end of the shaft I5 is xed in an opening 11 in the stem 59 and member 56 so that the inner end of the shaft is rigid with the member and the inner end of the torque tube I3. The plug |03 has an opening |01 for freely passing the shaft I5. In the preferred construction the shaft I5 passes freely through the opening |01 and continues on through an opening |08 in the plate 92. In this connection it will be observed that the interior of the tube I3 and the openings |01 and |08 are sealed from and completely out of communication with the interior of the cage I0 so that there is no need to pack or seal about the shaft I5. Further, it is to be understood that the shaft I5 is rigid or substantially unyielding to directly transmit the turning motion from the inner end of the tube I3 and the parts connected therewith to the pilot mechanism.

It is preferred to provide an outboard bearing |09 for thel shaft I5. In the structure illustrated in the drawings a suitable ball bearing |09 is arranged in a socket in the outer portion of the opening |08 to support the outer portion of the shaft I5. It is to be noted that the bearing. effectively supports the shaft I5 adjacent to the point where the shaft operatively connects with the pilot mechanism 63. A dust seal ||0 may be provided in the outer part of the opening |08 to prevent. passage of dust around the shaft I5.

The dust seal IIII is not essential. It is important to note that the cooperation of theboss In with the socket holds the mechanism 33 -in position where the bearing |03 is aligned with the shaft I5 and maintains this alignment at all times.

In the construction illustrated in Fig. 5 the youter portion of the torque tube I3 is received in a counter bore in the opening 54 of the fitting l2. The fitting 42 is fixed or anchored to the outer end of the arm 23 and the torque tube I3 is in turn fixed to the fitting. Welding 55 fixes the torque tube I3 to the fixed fitting 42 and serves to seal around the tube to prevent the leakage of fluid from the cage I into the torque tube. The shaft I passing freely through the tube I3, as above described, continues outwardly through the opening 54 of the fitting 42. A bearing, such as a ball bearing, 80 is mounted f in a socket 8l in the outer portion of the fitting 42 to support the shaft I5 adjacent to itsepoint of connection with the pilot mechanism. A dust cap 32 is arranged inthe socket 8| and carries fibrous material 83 for preventing the passage of dust, etc. around the shaft I5.

It is believed that the utility and practieability of the present invention will be readily under- .stood from the foregoing detailed description. In

operation variations in the level of the liquid in the main container with which the cage I0 is connected cause corresponding variations in the liquid level in the cage I0 and the float I I will rise or fall. This movement of the float II produces swinging of the lever I2. Swinging of the lever I2 causes a turning force or torque to be applied to the inner end of the tube I3. The tube yields to this force and the shaft I5 is turned to control or operate the indicator, valve, or the like, at the exterior of the cage. It is important to note that the knife edge bearing 'I3 engaged in the Y groove 6I dependably supports the inner portion of the tube I3 and the parts connected there with so that the tube is not distorted vertically or laterally. The support for the tube I3 provided by the knife edge bearing is accomplished by minimumv of friction. Thus, there is a positive dependable frictionless bearing means for the inner portion of the yielding torque tube I3. 'I'he device is compact and is easy to assemble and install.

In the event it becomes necessary or desirable to inspect, clean, or repair the internal mechanism of the apparatus it is easy to gain full access to the mechanism. This is done by disconnecting the lever I2 from the float II. A normally closed access opening IIE may be provided in the wall of the branch 28 to permit the ready disconnection of the float II from vthe lever I2. When this has been done the flange connection between the branch 26 and the arm 29 is disconnected by unthreading the nuts 32 from the studs 3i. Following this, the arm 2l carrying the entire internal mechanism may be separated from the branch 26 and the mechanism is freely accessible for inspection, cleaning and repair.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A liquid level responsive device comprising a liquid containing housing, a float in the housing, a tube anchored to the wall of the housing to project therein, the tube being adapted to be flexed about its longitudinal axis, a lever for the float, means for connecting the lever with the tube so that operation of the lever flexes the tube, said means comprising a part ou the tube, a clamp on the lever engaged on said part, and screw thread means for clamping the clamp on said part, said part having a V groove, a knife edge bearing in the housing received in said groove to support the inner portion of the tube, and a shaft secured to the inner portion of the tube to be turned upon flexure of the tube and extending outwardly through the tube.

2. A device of the character described comprising a liquid containing housing, a float in the housing. a tube anchored to the wall of the housing to project therein, the tube being adapted to be exed about its longitudinal axis, a lever for the float, a member on the inner endof the tube having a downwardly facing recess, a hook clamp on the lever hooked over the member to connect the lever with the tube, an upstanding bearing part in the housing engaged in the recess to support the inner portion of the tube for flexure on its longitudinal axis, and a shaft secured to the inner portion of the tube to turn upon flexure of the tube and extending outwardly through the tube.

3. A device of the character described comprising a float cage, a oat in the cage responsive to the liquid level therein, a torque tube anchored to the wall of the cage and closed against communication with the cage, a lever operated by the float, a bearing member on the inner end of the tube having a groove, a clamp having clamp fingers engaged on the member and having a threaded opening, a stem on the lever threaded in said opening to secure the lever to the member and cooperating with the member to clamp the clamp on the member, a shaft connected with the inner end of the tube and extending outwardly therethrough, and a bearing in the cage engaging in said groove to support the inner end of the tube.

GLENN F. BROCKETT. 

